She didn’t meet my eyes as I stared her down.
My sister. My twin. My parents’ murderer. My mate’s captor.
Turning my attention to the impatiently chuffing dragon I gave him a small smile, the motion pulling my split lip open again. The poolingblood dripped down my chin.
It was warm. That was nice.
“You came,”I said to Resso.
He only grumbled a response, smoke shooting from his nostrils.
“Can you please get us out of here?”I asked the black dragon as he appraised me with a flat, unamused stare.
“First I must obey your Oracle, and now you want a ride?”He blinked slowly at me as I laughed, the sound rough against my raw throat. I hadn’t the faintest clue what he meant, but I was damn happy to see him and confirm he was actually real. Tears threatened to consume me as Resso wrapped a chained Adara in his massive claw. She had the good sense to look mortified and stay silent.
Resso huffed again, as close to chuckling as a dragon could get, his wing flattening towards the ground. It took a few attempts to move my stiff, frozen body, and to half crawl, half clamber up Resso’s side. It was a considerable effort, more warm blood trickling out as my wounds reopened.
I finally seated myself behind massive black spikes at the nape of his neck. I patted him as he stood, his powerful haunches launching us into the sky, gliding down the mountain to the Obsidian Palace.
Chapter fifty-nine
Lenna
WithinminutesofLenna’sproclamation, Sparrow had waned them to the throne room of the Obsidian Palace, where, upon arrival of the notorious Golden Gargoyle, now King Consort of Irridessen, Lord Magnamus was placed in chains and hauled to the dungeons deep within the mountains to wait on Esmeray to decide his fate.
The Regent hadn’t put up a fight, only sighed his displeasure, as Keerian landed against the glass floor with enough force that the skeletal hands lining the wall of the throne room gripped their torches tighter. Keerian pointed a sword at the fae’s throat and bared his teeth. The disgraced Regent had yielded quickly.
Keerian now paced at the base of the dais, one of Merrick’s borrowed short swords in his hands. Sparrow, Merrick, and Laurent kept shooting each other increasingly odd looks across the throne room that Lenna was too tired to try and decipher. She sat alone at one of the stone pews that curved around the room, focusing on keeping her trembling hands clasped and her teeth set to stop them clattering together. She took deep breaths, working to calm herself after the events of the night.
They had arrived to find the Obsidian Palace in complete chaos. Apparently, the Palace had not been as remote and forgotten as Adara andLord Magnamus bet on since those still standing after the battles at the Opal Palace waned here after Lenna confirmed Esmeray’s location. The Opal Palace’s court immediately spread the news of the Prism’s memory to the Obsidian Palace’s assembled court. All beings from the guards and servants to the housed royals had begun a bloody rebellion against Lord Magnamus and any of Adara’s loyal supporters. It had only quelled when Keerian, Merrick and Laurent arrived, the three Elite Warriors quickly getting the situation under control.
None of them were surprised to hear that the Regent was not very well liked.
Anyone who continued supporting Adara had been hauled to the dungeon. Those who fought, died quickly. Sparrow had even gotten in the fray–making sure any being who found themselves sympathizing with the wrong side of events was handled.
Now, the throne room was empty, per Keerian’s request. The court was busy enough outside the throne room doors where healers were assisting with the wounded, and guards stood at attention, making sure their group inside was not bothered. Lenna had taken the few moments of slight peace to clear her mind and get her breathing under control. Resso had found the Queen, and Esmeray relayed to them through their rings that she would land in the throne room of the Obsidian Palace.
As they waited, Lenna thought of the bakery in Florra and the sweet scents that enveloped her there. She thought of those nights they sat atop Sparrow’s patio, drinking in the views from the surrounding forests and city lights. She thought of the handsome baker that smiled at her in a way she had not been smiled at in years. She thought of her friends that surrounded her now, and how dear they were to her heart, a missing piece clicking into place. She thought of the fierce Queen that assuredher mate, just moments ago through their rings, that she was okay. Lenna found herself, for the first time in decades, excited for the future.
Keerian blew out a breath and plopped down next to her on the bench, folding his glorious wings behind him. He nodded at her, his green eyes bright. “We haven’t had a chance to properly be introduced,” Keerian chuckled, extending his hand.
Lenna unfolded her trembling fists, grasping Keerian’s palm in her own. His fingers wrapped all the way around hers, but his grip was gentle. Introductions were exchanged and Lenna immediately felt drawn to Keerian as if they were old friends. “Esmeray talks so highly of you, I feel like I already know you.” She blushed, realizing she was speaking so informally to the new King Consort.
Keerian laughed, the sound bright against such a dark night. “Good. That will make what I ask next hopefully much easier.” He reached over and clasped her other hand in his. “Lenna, what you did for my mate and me was so brave, so incredible, that I could never repay you for your help. You uncovered the truth and didn’t back down from it. You revealed that truth to the world.” Keerian smiled. “And Esmeraymayhave ratted you out about your trip to the dragon lair. Resso told her.”
Lenna’s blush grew furiously underneath the warm grin from the handsome male. “But to start, I want to offer you a home with us at the Opal Palace–or the Obsidian Palace. Honestly, wherever Meer decides she wants to live as Queen. But you will always have a place with us. Or, if you want a house anywhere in Irridessen, consider it done. I’m sure Sparrow would love to help you decorate.”
Lenna felt the shock register on her face as she stared at the King. Keerian beamed as her mouth fell open. “Did you think we would just leave you high and dry? Ship you back to the Slate Kingdom? Sparrowtold me how integral you are to this family–and the absolute least I can do is make sure you never want for anything ever.”
She was so overwhelmed with emotion, all Lenna could do was nod rapidly.
A home.
She could put down roots here, or at the Opal Palace, or anywhere she wanted. This kind male offered her the one thing she felt she’d been searching for–that feeling that she was home.
Tears threatened to fall, and Lenna managed a croaky, “Thank you,” before throwing her arms around the King, hugging him tight. He laughed again, his gold wings and strong arms hugging her as she cried and cried against Keerian’s shoulder.
The floor behind the dais began shimmering like a pool of the purest water.
